Interventional neuroradiology is a medical specialty that treats conditions affecting the brain, spine, head and neck. These include cerebral aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and some types of stroke. You may also hear it referred to as endovascular neurosurgery, neurointerventional radiology or neurointervention.

Interventional neuroradiology uses X-ray and CT imaging to guide treatments from inside the blood vessels. Many of these conditions previously required open surgery, but modern techniques allow us to treat them using minimally invasive procedures. This usually means smaller incisions, quicker recovery times and fewer risks.

About our service

Queen’s Hospital provides a comprehensive and advanced interventional neuroradiology service. All procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques, which means less pain, fewer complications and shorter hospital stays. The department is highly innovative and uses the latest advances in the field.

We work closely with a wide range of related specialties, including neurosurgery, neurology, stroke medicine, intensive care and anaesthetics. Our clinical nurse specialists offer psychosocial support and specialist advice, particularly to patients recovering from aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage.

Queen’s Hospital has one of the busiest interventional neuroradiology training programmes in the country. The fellowship programme allows trainees to become proficient in all aspects of the specialty. As a tertiary referral centre, we manage complex aneurysms, brain and spinal arteriovenous malformations, dural arteriovenous fistulas and vascular malformations of the head and neck.

Each year, the department performs around 350 mechanical thrombectomies and 200 cerebral aneurysm treatments. We are actively involved in research and produce a number of high-impact publications annually. Trainees are encouraged and expected to participate in research during their time with the department.

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Conditions we treat

Interventional neuroradiologists (INRs) manage a wide range of conditions, including:

• Brain aneurysms and subarachnoid haemorrhage – treated using coils, stents or other devices placed inside the blood vessel.

• Stroke – removing blood clots from the brain using a procedure called mechanical thrombectomy.

• Brain tumours – using embolisation to reduce blood flow to the tumour.

• Head and neck tumours (such as paragangliomas) – treated with embolisation.

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain and spine, and dural arteriovenous fistulas – treated with embolisation.

• Carotid artery stenosis – widening narrowed arteries using balloons and stents.

• Intracranial vascular stenosis – treated with balloons and stents.

• Intracranial hypertension and pulsatile tinnitus – managed with venous stenting.

• Chronic subdural haematoma – treated with middle meningeal artery embolisation.

• Severe or recurrent nosebleeds (epistaxis) – controlled with embolisation.

• Vasospasm following subarachnoid haemorrhage – treated with chemical angioplasty.

• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks – managed with embolisation or blood patches.

Diagnostic procedures we perform

We also carry out a range of diagnostic tests, including:

• Cerebral angiography – a detailed X-ray of the brain’s blood vessels using dye injected through a small tube inside the artery.

• Myelography – imaging to assess the spinal canal and nerve roots.

• CT scans – cross-sectional imaging using X-rays.

• MRI scans – detailed imaging using magnetic fields and radio waves.

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Preparing for your appointment

Check your appointment letter to see if you need to do anything in advance of your visit.

What to bring to your first outpatient appointment

• Your appointment letter

• A list of any medicines you are taking

• Any samples your appointment letter asks you to bring

• Money for prescriptions, or an exemption certificate

• A list of questions you would like to ask

During your appointment, you will be seen by a specialist doctor. They will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and explain any tests you may need. They will also discuss the next steps in your care.

Please note:
Outpatient clinic appointments take place in Team 4.
Imaging and procedures take place in the Radiology Department (CT and MRI) and Theatre 12 (angiography).

Always refer to the address and location information provided in your appointment letter.

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Phone contacts

Outpatient appointments
01708 435 000 — extension 2275 / 5700

Pre-assessment team
01708 435 000 — extension 2641

Specialist nurses
01708 435 000 — extension 6305

Main Radiology Department
020 8970 8217

 

Page last updated: January 2026